Decking the halls is coming earlier

NORMAN — It’s that time of year again. Christmas is just around the corner.

Displays have gone up in the stores. Some hardcore homeowners already have started decorating. Children are thinking about their lists.

I know we haven’t even hit Thanksgiving yet, but in my family, Christmas gets all the attention.

Some of my family members leave a few Christmas decorations up year round, just to remind them it won’t be that long until it’s time to celebrate again.

My mom always leaves up a couple of small trees with clear twinkle lights, which drives my dad crazy.

I have to admit. I’m turning into a Christmas person, too, although I try to hold off putting Christmas decorations up in my house until after Thanksgiving.

It’s not even about the presents. In fact, the Christmas that sticks out most in my mind was one my family didn’t have much money at all.

I was about 8 years old. My mom had been sick. My dad had been in and out of work. We’d moved in with my grandma for a while.

My mom had worked hard fixing up an old house that year, so that we’d have a place of our own again. We still joke about having to vacuum the snow off the floor in the mornings that blew in from the cracks around the windows. It was a cold house.

When the holidays rolled around, we cut down a cedar from the pasture for our Christmas tree. My mom, brother and I made the decorations to go on it. We wrapped what packages we had in brown paper sacks.

Most people would think that’s sad, but we thought it was great. I just remember being happy that we were all together, spending time as a family.

I’m already getting excited about this year. Maybe I’ll decorate early.

What are some of your fondest Christmas memories?

Leave a Comment

News Photo Galleriesview all

Emergency Equipment

View pictures of equipment purchased by Oklahoma agencies to use during a disaster.

12 photos

Norman Depot celebrates 100 years

The railroad station hosted a concert as part of it's celebration.

12 photos

Cancer Cosmetics: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Cancer patients learned make-up and cosmetic tips from Johnson during a session at Integris Baptist Hospital Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10, 2009.

9 photos

Oklahoma City Fatal Fire: Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Authorities say five people, including an unborn child, died in a fire at an Oklahoma City home earlier this week.

5 photos

Page 1 of 5

Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next